Federal Grant Award Summary

The U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services awarded $70.2M to the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development on October 1, 2025, under the Rehabilitation Services Vocational Rehabilitation Grants to States program (CFDA 84.126). This formula grant supports comprehensive vocational rehabilitation (VR) services designed to help individuals with disabilities assess their strengths, plan career pathways, and access targeted employment support services. The award funds New Jersey's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services to administer statewide VR and Supported Employment programs through September 30, 2026, enabling the state agency to provide individualized services that promote employment opportunities, skill development, and career advancement for people with disabilities.

As part of the grant implementation, the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development established a sub-award with Moceans Center for Independent Living Inc., effective January 2, 2026, to deliver Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) for in-school youth aged 14 to 21. This program provides paid internships at a minimum of $18.00 per hour in competitive integrated employment settings, combining 150 hours of work-based learning with pre- and post-placement workplace readiness training, self-advocacy instruction, and job exploration counseling. The Pre-ETS initiative runs through September 30, 2026, with optional annual renewal contingent upon successful performance and available federal funding.